'No-Brainer!' Rams' Aaron Donald Endorses Kobie Turner for Defensive Rookie of Year
Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald was named to his 10th consecutive Pro Bowl Wednesday, becoming the first defensive lineman to achieve the feat since 1970.
But it's possible Donald will watch his name fall from the record books Sunday, as teammate Kobie Turner aims to break Donald's franchise record in sacks by a rookie.
Donald registered nine sacks in 2014 - a mark that Turner tied with his 2.5-sack performance in last Sunday's 26-25 win over the New York Giants.
Turner not only leads the Rams in sacks, but all rookies, holding a two-sack advantage over Houston Texans edge rusher Will Anderson.
Donald was a top-10 pick in 2014. Anderson was the No. 3 overall pick in April. Turner didn't hear his name called until No. 89 overall, only adding to the uniqueness of his story.
And in Donald's well-respected opinion, Turner's campaign deserves a Hollywood ending: winning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
“He's just a productive guy,” Donald said. “When you talk about playing a run stout, making tackles for loss, he does that. Putting pressure on the quarterback and affecting the quarterback, he does that. Making sacks, he does that.
“So, I think it's kind of a no-brainer type of thing.”
The 24-year-old Turner is slotted at No. 3 in Defensive Rookie of the Year odds per VegasInsider and SportsBettingDime, trailing only Anderson and Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter.
Dec 31, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor (2) is sacked by Los Angeles Rams defensive tackles Kobie Turner (91) and Aaron Donald (99) during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium.
Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris said Turner arrived from Wake Forest "super smart, super intelligent with an unbelievable motor" and has been fun to work alongside.
Turner has literally been next to Donald dating back to OTAs, soaking up as much knowledge as possible from the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
At 6-2, 288 pounds, Turner shares many of the same physical advantages and disadvantages at the 6-0, 280-pound Donald, as both are grouped into the category of undersized but athletic interior defenders.
But much like Donald once did and continues to do, Turner has shown his size isn't a factor in his on-field play - all the while benefitting from the attention Donald draws inside.
“That’s what he’s supposed to do,” Donald said. “You get the one-on-one opportunity, that's what it's for. If somebody wants to focus on one guy, the next guy is supposed to step up and make plays and he’s been doing that.
“So, he's just doing his job like he's supposed to do it - at a high level.”
Donald added Turner simply needs to keep working and getting better, avoiding the trap of growing satisfied with his stout rookie season.
But Donald's proud of Turner - as is Rams coach Sean McVay, who twice noted Turner's conscientiousness in watching and learning from Donald and defensive line coaches Eric Henderson and AC Carter.
“Kobie Turner, what a great job,” McVay said. “What a mature beyond his years rookie, impressive person. He's got nine sacks, but he's been a really productive player in the run game. So conscientious.”
Through 16 games, Turner's paired his nine sacks with 57 total tackles, 15 quarterback hits, eight tackles for loss and a pair of deflections.
Rather than surprise, Morris feels Turner has exceeded expectations and is "pleasantly pleased" his numbers are what they are.
So, NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year?
While his stock is rapidly rising, Turner still appears to be a long shot ... even if Donald feels his play warrants such an honor.
“He's just been playing some good football for us, making a lot of plays,” Donald said. “When you put the body of work in, you deserve certain things and that's something that I feel like he deserves so you just got to keep working.”
Turner aims to finish the regular season on a high note Sunday, when the Rams (9-7) host the San Francisco 49ers (12-4) at 1:25 p.m. PST inside SoFi Stadium.
Donald won't play ... but he'll be on the sidelines and may just have a front-row seat to watch Turner sack his way into Rams history.
